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Lydia Kidd serves at Centre Street Church and brings over seven years of ministry experience, including four years leading their student leadership program. Originally from New Zealand, she is passionate about equipping the next generation to grow in faith and leadership. < Back Lydia Kidd Lydia Kidd serves at Centre Street Church and brings over seven years of ministry experience, including four years leading their student leadership program. Originally from New Zealand, she is passionate about equipping the next generation to grow in faith and leadership. Student Leadership: How to Help Students Lead and Serve 1:15pm | Breakout 02 Read More

What is Youth Worker Community all about? Equipping, empowering, & relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. Equipping, empowering, & relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus SUPPORT THE MISSION Youth We want youth to know Jesus therefore, Worker we invest in equipping, empowering, and relationally supporting youth workers, so that, Community there is a family of youth workers commited to making an eternal difference in the lives of the youth they lead. Our Story Youth Worker Community exists to empower more youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. We do that through conferences, the Coalition, research, coaching, and resources for youth ministries. It all started over 20 years ago as Truth Matters Ministries. In 2002, Truth Matters Ministries partnered with the Evangelical Free Church of Lethbridge, AB, and for the next 11 years, Sid Koop was the Executive Director of Truth Matters Ministries, as well as the Director of Student Ministries for the E-Free Church of Lethbridge. In 2013, Sid Koop went full time with Truth Matters and moved the base of operations to Kelowna, BC, where he formed an informal partnership with Marv Penner and All About Youth. Truth Matters took over the Canadian Youth Workers Conference in 2014, and changed what was a once a year national conference into 6 regional conferences for training youth workers that reached right across Canada. In 2020, Truth Matters created Youth Worker Community to meet the specific needs of youth workers in helping youth follow Jesus. That same year The Coalition for Youth Ministry Excellence launched to meet the need for deeply equipped vocational youth workers. Today, Youth Worker Community meets the unique and growing needs of youth workers across Canada and beyond. Statement of Faith Click to read our full statement of faith . Our Values Devoted Disciples We place ourselves under the authority of Christ and Scripture. We take the Bible seriously, and invite accountability into our lives to help us become more like Jesus. Faithful Friends We show up for people, celebrating their wins and supporting their struggles. We see each person for who they are, not what they do. We are committed to staying curious, always looking for new ways to serve our community better. We approach problems with an open mind, staying calm and asking “what if”, so that road blocks can be transformed into bridges. Constantly Curious We are committed to staying curious, always looking for new ways to serve our community better. We approach problems with an open mind, staying calm and asking “what if”, so that road blocks can be transformed into bridges. Humble Helpers We leave our personal agendas at the door, and seek to serve others first. We make it a priority to model this posture to those we lead. Governance Truth Matters Ministries operates as a registered Canadian charity under the leadership of a board of directors. Those board members are Adam Parsons (Chair), Pat Griffith, Lois VanRoon, Ginny Olson, Jameson Thomas, and Carlamay Sheremata. You can reach the board directly by emailing Adam Parsons (boardchair@youthworker.community ). Meet the Team Youth Worker Community is run by a group of veteran youth workers. Want to get in touch? Click on our photos to send us an email! Sid Koop Executive Director Jeremy MacDonald Director of Operations Steve Zacharias Director of Coalition Dawn Gutek Administrator Ben Jepsen Academic Coordinator Melanie Friesen Coalition Administrative Coordinator Ben Woodman Content Development Specialist Statement of Faith Click to read our full statement of faith . Subscribe to our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE Follow on Social Media Explore our Curriculum Check out our Conferences

Small groups can be a catalyst for inspirational fellowship and growth… or they can be draining spawns of destruction. Which kind is yours? This workshop will offer 4 tips on improving small group dynamics. < Back Track 3 | Ministry Tools How to Lead a Better Small Group 10:45am | Breakout 01 Multipurpose 011C SESSION SPEAKER Ken Castor Learn More Small groups can be a catalyst for inspirational fellowship and growth… or they can be draining spawns of destruction. Which kind is yours? This workshop will offer 4 tips on improving small group dynamics. Apply Now

Ryan has held leadership roles in various youth and young adult ministries over the past decade. He currently serves as the Family Director at The Meeting Place Church in downtown Winnipeg. Alongside his pastoral work, Ryan studies with the YWC Coalition and serves on the leadership team for the Collide Conference in Manitoba. He is a husband to his wife, Laura, a father to two energetic boys, Jack and Elias, and an unapologetic DnD nerd. < Back Ryan Murray Ryan has held leadership roles in various youth and young adult ministries over the past decade. He currently serves as the Family Director at The Meeting Place Church in downtown Winnipeg. Alongside his pastoral work, Ryan studies with the YWC Coalition and serves on the leadership team for the Collide Conference in Manitoba. He is a husband to his wife, Laura, a father to two energetic boys, Jack and Elias, and an unapologetic DnD nerd. Building Healthy Connections With Students - Inside & Outside of Your Program 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Read More

As the Ministry Coordinator for Search for Jesus Canada, Nadia Henderson loves seeing God work through everyday conversations online. She’s passionate about encouraging others in ministry and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued. When she’s not serving, you’ll probably find her scouting for an excellent cup of coffee or on an adventure with friends. < Back Nadia Henderson As the Ministry Coordinator for Search for Jesus Canada, Nadia Henderson loves seeing God work through everyday conversations online. She’s passionate about encouraging others in ministry and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued. When she’s not serving, you’ll probably find her scouting for an excellent cup of coffee or on an adventure with friends. God in the Digital Space 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Read More

Building healthy, Jesus-centred relationships are at the core of what we do as youth workers. Have you ever felt stuck, awkward, or insecure in your relationships with students? You’re not alone. Come and discover how we can engage with our students in healthy and impactful ways inside and outside of the church. < Back Track 3 | Ministry Tools Building Healthy Connections With Students - Inside & Outside of Your Program 2:45pm | Breakout 03 CR 7/8 SESSION SPEAKER Terri Newton Learn More Building healthy, Jesus-centred relationships are at the core of what we do as youth workers. Have you ever felt stuck, awkward, or insecure in your relationships with students? You’re not alone. Come and discover how we can engage with our students in healthy and impactful ways inside and outside of the church. Apply Now

Youth ministries rise and fall on the strength of their volunteers. Join the conversation so you can help the next generation follow Jesus. Welcome to the Volunteer Youth Worker Podcast! Youth ministries rise and fall on their volunteers, so we're here to encourage and equip you. Join the conversation as we tackle the practical questions you're asking so you can help the next generation follow Jesus. Listen Now Learn More Be encouraged and equipped in your youth ministry this week. Whether you're brand new to youth ministry or a seasoned volunteer, the Volunteer Youth Worker Podcast is here to equip and encourage you every step of the way. Each week, we tackle real questions, share practical tips, and have honest conversations about the highs and lows of working with teenagers. Our goal? To help you show up with confidence, lead with care, and keep growing in your role—because what you do really does matter. Listen to the Podcast This podcast gives me practical advice for problems I'm currently facing and tips to keep in my toolkit for when new situations arise. Subscribe to our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE Follow on Social Media

Building healthy, Jesus-centred relationships are at the core of what we do as youth workers. Have you ever felt stuck, awkward, or insecure in your relationships with students? You’re not alone. Come and discover how we can engage with our students in healthy and impactful ways inside and outside of the church. < Back Track 3 | Ministry Tools Building Healthy Connections With Students - Inside & Outside of Your Program 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Rink Room SESSION SPEAKER Grace Persaud Learn More Building healthy, Jesus-centred relationships are at the core of what we do as youth workers. Have you ever felt stuck, awkward, or insecure in your relationships with students? You’re not alone. Come and discover how we can engage with our students in healthy and impactful ways inside and outside of the church. Apply Now

The global body of Christ has a unique opportunity to demonstrate love and grace to the nations of the world. This session aims to provide tools and methods that can enhance our love and service to all people, regardless of our current circumstances. < Back Track 3 | Ministry Tools Loving and Serving Every Tribe, Nation, and Tongue 10:45am | Breakout 01 3011 SESSION SPEAKER Virginia Ward Learn More The global body of Christ has a unique opportunity to demonstrate love and grace to the nations of the world. This session aims to provide tools and methods that can enhance our love and service to all people, regardless of our current circumstances. Apply Now

In this breakout, youth workers will learn practical ways to help students grow in their faith through intentional rhythms to engage with spiritual disciplines. The session blends teaching, discussion, and resources so leaders walk away with tools they can implement immediately in their small groups. < Back Track 3 | Ministry Tools How to Help Your Students Practice Spiritual Disciplines More Regularly 10:45am | Breakout 01 1112 SESSION SPEAKER Christine Kliewer Learn More In this breakout, youth workers will learn practical ways to help students grow in their faith through intentional rhythms to engage with spiritual disciplines. The session blends teaching, discussion, and resources so leaders walk away with tools they can implement immediately in their small groups. Apply Now

Technology is advancing faster than ever. This can feel both exciting and overwhelming. So how do we approach new technology without losing our focus on Christ? This session gives you a practical framework for discerning the ‘why’ behind technology in ministry. We'll look at when it can help and when it can hurt. You’ll leave equipped to integrate tech wisely and to help students navigate their digital world with biblical wisdom and confidence. < Back Track 2 | Youth Culture Faith and Phones: Developing a Theology of Technology for Ministry 10:45am | Breakout 01 Chapel SESSION SPEAKER Josh Woodcock Learn More Technology is advancing faster than ever. This can feel both exciting and overwhelming. So how do we approach new technology without losing our focus on Christ? This session gives you a practical framework for discerning the ‘why’ behind technology in ministry. We'll look at when it can help and when it can hurt. You’ll leave equipped to integrate tech wisely and to help students navigate their digital world with biblical wisdom and confidence. Apply Now

How can we love others in the way that God loves us? Elisa provides insight and practical steps for building and nurturing Godly relationships. How He Loves with Elisa Humphreys Video Package $40 ADD TO CART About the Series This series is all about how we can love others in the way that God loves us. Elisa provides insight and practical steps for building and nurturing godly relationships. Topics covered include understanding God's identity as a community of love represented in the Trinity, recognizing one's inherent value through being created in His image, nurturing relationships with parents, building healthy friendships, and cultivating godly romantic relationships. Your purchase also includes small group questions, making it a ready-to-use resource for youth workers. Feel free to access a full preview of this teaching video below to make sure that it fits for your group. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Curriculum Need help equipping your youth ministry? Get our Curriculum Discount Codes—no strings attached. We’re a non-profit that exists to serve churches of every size. If budget is tight, we’ve got you covered. Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. * Send My Codes We’ll email you the codes right away and send an occasional update on new resources. Unsubscribe anytime. Buy the Series Now! Video Package $40 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students